Lilli Ann Killen Rosenberg (1924‒2011) initiated memorably collaborative community art projects wherever she went throughout her working life. From the Henry Street Settlement in New York City to numerous sites in the Boston area and then others in southern Oregon, she engaged children and adults in creating responsive public art. This post offers images from Boston sites I have visited and quotes or links that motivate me to visit many more.

“Shaped like a hopscotch grid, this mosaic marks the original site of the Boston Latin School, the first public school in the US.

The school educated many influential politicians and writers, including Benjamin Franklin and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Although girls are depicted in the images of children at play, no girls were admitted to the school until the mid-19th century;

the school became officially co-educational in 1972. “

“In her self-profile, Mrs. Rosenberg said her goals in life were “to enhance the quality of my own expressions in the medium and to work with architects and planners in the development of more opportunities for artists like myself who wish to create art with and for people – improving the quality of life for all of us. Each new project is an exciting adventure.’’” (quote from her Boston Globe obituary, August 2011)

Mosaics in Tadpole Playground, Boston Common

With her husband Marvin, Lilli Ann Rosenberg created these mosaics installed in 2003. I photographed and wrote about the mosaics within the context of collaboration among artists and community for a post from 2014.

“Located next to the Frog Pond, Tadpole Playground features a vibrant mosaic that appeals to children and adults alike.

The mosaic technique dates back thousands of years, to when artists first began to arrange pebbles and small stones into patterns.

As the technique became more refined, artists experimented with various materials—most frequently ceramic and glass—in order to achieve certain effects.

Created with glazed ceramic pieces, this contemporary work recalls the natural themes prevalent in many Islamic mosaics,

Betances Mural in Villa Victoria

“This mural was created with the support of the Villa Victoria tenants’ association, Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, to decorate the Villa’s central gathering place.

Local artists Lili Ann Killen Rosenberg, Nora Valdez, and Roberto Chao were assisted by Villa Victoria residents, children as well as adults, who made the ceramic tile pieces.

The mural features Ramón Betances, known as the ‘father’ of Puerto Rican nationalism for his revolt against Spanish rule.

It also includes images of Puerto Rican history and culture and of the Villa Victoria community. “

“Her technique, according to her website, was “to embed a variety of materials in concrete using color and texture, sometimes carving it into the concrete or casting with it.’’ ” (quote from Boston Globe obituary, August 2011)

Pertinent information

writer, educator, museum volunteer;
My camera and I are reflected in the blue globe within the sculpture installation,"The Sky is the Limit" by Geoff Nelson. From slideshow in post: HISTORIC AND CURRENT ART AT CHESTERWOOD